Lights out

Lights out

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His oiled body glistening, a Thai fighter receives help after being beaten at Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium - one of the oldest such arenas in the city.

The venue, like the fighter, has suffered a blow. For decades, crowds have flocked here to watch bouts, but Lumpinee stands on prime real estate and is set to be demolished to make way for new high-rise urban development.

. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Sattan Muanglek is one of the boxers who took part in the last Thai boxing, or "Muay Thai", fight night at Lumpinee.

For the 21-year-old, the arena is nothing short of iconic.

"Lumpinee closing has left me speechless. I could barely concentrate the first time I boxed here I was so excited. This is where every young boy dreams of fighting," he said.

. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Lumpinee's circular structure, with an ageing tin roof that lets in rain and sunlight harks back to the days before the invasion of skyscrapers that now soar above the capital.

The venue’s lease was not renewed by the Crown Property Bureau, one of Bangkok's biggest landlords and the fund that supports Thailand's monarchy.

That is forcing the stadium to move to a new venue on the outer fringes of the sprawling city and marks the end of an era for Lumpinee.

Video

. Bangkok, Thailand. REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

A sign is placed on the ring during the closing "Muay Thai" fight night at Lumpinee.